EU Says Israel Confiscated PA Aid

European diplomats reportedly manhandled by Israeli soldiers, who confiscated tents and humanitarian aid.

By Gil Ronen

First Publish: 9/21/2013, 10:31 PM

Soldiers, French diplomat Marion Castaing

Reuters

Brussels has demanded an explanation from Israel following the alleged confiscation of humanitarian aid meant for Arabs in Palestinian Authority-administered areas in Judea and Samaria, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton's spokesman said Saturday.

"The EU deplores the confiscation of humanitarian aid yesterday by Israeli security forces," Michael Mann said in a statement.

"Representatives of the EU have already contacted the Israeli authorities to demand an explanation and express their concern over the incident. The EU underlines the importance of unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and the applicability of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory," the statement concluded.

According to AFP, European diplomats were manhandled on Friday by Israeli soldiers, who confiscated tents and humanitarian aid destined for Palestinians, whose homes were said to have been destroyed by the army. The report quoted what it said were “several sources.”

The soldiers allegedly dispersed a group of volunteers from humanitarian organizations, along with the diplomats, who were trying to distribute the equipment to Palestinian Bedouin in the Jordan Valley.

The UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, James Rawley, expressed "deep concern" after the incident on Friday.